bbbmd,
Virtually EVERY established PT that recieved the therapists degree prior to the onset of the DPT thinks the DPT degree is a JOKE...including myself.
The licensing is the exact same (same test regardless of level), the CME is the same (if required at all!), and the practice acts are the same. The underlying theme is that the REQUIREMENTS are different but NOT the degree. Think of it as a PharmD vs RPH at masters level.
Remember it is a CLINICAL doctorate. There will be NO competition vs PM&R. A PT is a PT is a PT is a PT. It is the experience that matters, not DPT, MPT, MSPT, MScPT, PT behind the name...that only matters to other other PT's. It is another way the APTA shoots itself in the foot...applications are down as well as salaries. No one wants to go to school for 6 years and make 40k to start with a ceiling at 55k.
Ok, I am on a soapbox. Sorry. PM&R is a great and growing field and will slowly grab turf once belonging exclusively to Neurology.